Page 21 of Surrender to the Earl (Brides of Redemption #2)

“I don’t think I do, but thank you. So can you see the next cottage yet?”

For the next couple hours, Robert had the privilege of watching Audrey introduce herself to her tenants.

The families often greeted her with more enthusiasm than her servants had.

He almost hated to be introduced because it spoiled the day for him, distracting attention away from Audrey.

She didn’t seem to mind. Several tenants brought problems to her attention, a leaking roof, a dispute over boundary lines, a bachelor farmer about to take a wife and wanting to be placed on the list for a larger cottage.

She listened gravely and promised she would consult Mr. Drayton and have the problems taken care of.

And since she was used to memorizing the layout of so many rooms, Robert had no doubt her well-trained mind would not forget each problem.

“All of our baskets are gone,” she said, as they drove away from the last little cottage. “Should we go home now?”

“I can see the village just ahead.” He saw the uncertainty pass over her face. “Have you visited yet?”

“I have not. I was so busy unpacking, and then Molly became ill.”

“I think we should have our luncheon there. It’s been a long time since I’ve been ‘seen.’”

“That is important,” she said solemnly. “Your people would like to know of your return.”

“I think they already know. And they most likely know you’re my fiancée,” he added, still watching her.

She swallowed. “You don’t have to do this, Robert. We’re not really engaged, and even more people will eventually know I cried off.”

“Do you think I care about gossip?” he asked quietly. “I have been the subject of it before. Our engagement is for a good reason. First, you’ll be known as my fiancée, and then you’ll be known as the woman who figured out I didn’t deserve her.”

Her smile gradually widened. “Well, if you put it that way …”

“Then you’re game?”

“I’m game. Shall we visit all the shops?”

“Every one of them.”

She gave a merry laugh, and it rang out behind them as he urged the horses onward.

Because they drove a carriage without a coat of arms, no one took much notice of them at first, except as strangers.

But after Robert reintroduced himself and his fiancée to the butcher and then the grocer, word must have spread out before them, and the bookstore owner was already outside his door waiting for them.

Audrey knew she was only along for the ride, but she vastly enjoyed it.

Much as Robert was a kind man, she heard the confidence in his voice as he spoke to people, the understanding that he’d be respected, even obeyed.

It was an unconscious thing among the nobility, she decided, a way of being raised that set them apart.

She wanted to resent it, knowing she’d always had to obey the men in her life, but today that voice, that earl, was helping smooth her introduction to her new neighbors.

Though she felt foolish being introduced as his future bride, there was a warmth of belonging she’d never felt before.

She certainly didn’t trust it, of course, knowing she could only rely on herself.

But for now, she’d take strength where she could get it.

By the time the villagers heard she was no longer engaged, hopefully they would know her well enough to sympathize rather than pity.

The vicar introduced himself and promised that his wife would come to call soon. The milliner suggested ribbons to go with bonnets, and Robert bought her some.

At the White Horse Inn, he didn’t even try to suggest a private dining parlor, and she was glad.

They introduced themselves to the innkeeper, and the dining parlor grew crowded with people who might not normally have a late luncheon.

She could hear the chatter and the whispers, felt themselves the object of speculation—and she didn’t hate it.

Perhaps people ought to be more aware that just because a woman was blind didn’t mean she couldn’t live a normal life.

After the innkeeper himself waited on them, Audrey sat back and teased Robert: “You must enjoy how easily people do what you want.”

He said nothing for a moment, and her smile died.

“Robert?”

“It is not always a thing I want,” he said, regret in his voice. “Not here. It was too easy to be swayed by it, to feel the power of my position. I thought the army beat that out of me, but apparently not enough.”

She leaned forward, “Oh, no, I did not mean it that way. You smoothed the way for my acceptance—that’s what I was talking about.

Growing up as I did, my family helped to create my inner doubts.

I felt confident in my own home, but that was it.

And here, now, I need to emulate you, so don’t regret your belief in yourself. ”

“I have confidence in you, Audrey. You’ll discover strengths in yourself you never knew existed. The army showed me that. Moving to a new village, a new home—they’re your own private battle to overcome.”

“A battle,” she mused. “So was this my first foray into enemy territory?”

“Or perhaps meeting and negotiating with possible allies.”

She laughed. A man approached the table to talk with Robert, and she listened politely, wondering what all these people saw. She knew what she felt when she was with him, his charm and confidence and humor. It was a dangerous combination, one that drew her more than she felt comfortable with.

She mustn’t start relying on him too much. He was taking Molly’s place temporarily—she had to remember that. But would she and Molly have been greeted so eagerly by all the villagers? No.

It was almost … fun to be the pretend-fiancée of an earl.